Why Gen Z loves social media for dating

In the world of online dating, some things that were once considered outdated are now making a comeback - with a twist. According to the Pew Research Center, Gen Z people (those born after 1996) are increasingly using apps like Instagram to date, citing a preference for a more organic method of connection. In fact, a recent study by youth research firm YPulse found that 2 out of 5 young people say they met their partners through social media, while 29% met through dating apps.

Nowadays, Instagram has become the go-to app for Gen Zers, according to experts like Joy Ofodu, the host of "Dating Unsettled" podcast, who herself is part of Gen Z. Ofodu describes the platform as the modern-day equivalent of a neighborhood block for many young people, who often initiate conversations through mutual followers or shared communities instead of meeting at a bar or club.

As dating apps become more tiresome, there is a growing desire for organic relationships, especially among Gen Z. Nevertheless, having grown up in the digital age and with the pandemic causing increased physical isolation, many in this generation lack the knowledge or confidence to make a move in real life.

Social media offers a more casual and low-pressure environment for interactions, without the expectation of a romantic or sexual outcome. According to some young people, a DM that starts off as casual can gradually evolve into a more flirtatious conversation, which feels more natural and organic, as if they were meeting someone in person. Compared to dating apps, social media platforms can offer an easier way to screen potential partners, as one can gather more information from a person's Instagram profile. In addition to confirming a person's authenticity and relationship status, you can also get a sense of their interests. On dating apps, on the other hand, people often only present themselves in a way they want to be perceived, with limited information available.

According to a report by Instagram and trend forecasting company WGSN, which surveyed 1,200 Gen Z social media users in the U.S., over half of those surveyed feel more comfortable being vulnerable online and over text rather than in person. This sentiment is expected to continue in 2023, with Instagram's DMs and messaging feature driving connections and conversations between friends and romantic interests.

Recently, a new wave of dating apps has emerged, targeting Gen Z and individuals who are no longer interested in traditional dating apps. Some young daters prefer to start connections on dating apps before moving to Instagram to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a person. On Instagram, there can be less certainty regarding someone's relationship status or romantic interest. Dating apps can make a person appear one-dimensional because they must stand out among a multitude of singles within a limited amount of space. Conversely, if someone writes too much information on their dating app profile, they might come across as trying too hard.

Gen Zers who desire authentic relationships and organic connections often prefer to bypass the dating app algorithm by linking their Instagram to their dating profile. By doing so, they can directly access a person's Instagram DMs. With years of archived posts, Instagram profiles can provide a more personal and genuine depiction of a person compared to a dating profile.

Long story short, while Instagram is seen as a viable alternative to dating apps by many young people, some Gen Zers are not fully convinced and view it as only a slight improvement over the culture of dating apps. So, what do you prefer when you’re looking for a date - online?